First round of pool games in Pool 5 and both will want to get off to the perfect start. One of the most fascinating battles in this will be the battle of the outhalves as Irish 10's Madigan and Jackson go head to head.

Last edited by neilthom7 on Fri 14 Oct 2016, 2:20 pm; edited 2 times in total

UBB also has a few injuries. Might start a lock in the back row this weekend. Other than that the way the team has been playing so far doesn't give much confindence. The work rate and commitment isn't really there and they have been a bit laidback but hope this first European game give them wings. Good news is that Madigan has fit quite well so far.

whocares wrote:UBB also has a few injuries. Might start a lock in the back row this weekend. Other than that the way the team has been playing so far doesn't give much confindence. The work rate and commitment isn't really there and they have been a bit laidback but hope this first European game give them wings. Good news is that Madigan has fit quite well so far.

Most players on the bench are actually stronger than the ones starting (front row, SH , FB) and as feared we are starting a lock (luke jones) as flanker. Our midfield (centres) seems UBB weakest point withy players that don't often play there and lack a bit lightweight imo (but if I remember correctly that was the partnership that eliminated Clermont last year).

The thing is billy, this back line is mouthwatering on paper but there has been so much rotation and so many injuries that we basically haven't seen the same back line twice in a game this season yet.

Even without Piutau that back line could be the best in Europe, but its going to take a while to click if we keep chopping and changing. I mean, its Trimbles first game of the season and the first time we've seen this back three together this season. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a bit of rustiness. I hope you're right though because there have been some real flashes of excellence from the backs so far. Sure even against Connacht we scored a fine try under the posts off a beautiful set move.

Bordeaux are really not that good and their only chance in this match is to win the forwards battle. Their backline will be totally outclassed by Ulster's. Its why I suspect a high scoring and entertaining match with Ulster getting the TBP.

Not saying it will be easy, no game against French teams are. I just do not think that Bordeaux are as good as their position in the Top-14. For me, Ulster are simply a better team and will be a case of who scores more, not who defends better which is why I feel Ulster will win with their dominant backline.

Most players on the bench are actually stronger than the ones starting (front row, SH , FB) and as feared we are starting a lock (luke jones) as flanker. Our midfield (centres) seems UBB weakest point withy players that don't often play there and lack a bit lightweight imo (but if I remember correctly that was the partnership that eliminated Clermont last year).

Most players on the bench are actually stronger than the ones starting (front row, SH , FB) and as feared we are starting a lock (luke jones) as flanker. Our midfield (centres) seems UBB weakest point withy players that don't often play there and lack a bit lightweight imo (but if I remember correctly that was the partnership that eliminated Clermont last year).

Most players on the bench are actually stronger than the ones starting (front row, SH , FB) and as feared we are starting a lock (luke jones) as flanker. Our midfield (centres) seems UBB weakest point withy players that don't often play there and lack a bit lightweight imo (but if I remember correctly that was the partnership that eliminated Clermont last year).

Yep, four wins in the CC and four wins in the other one. The Regions have won all their opening games, as have the Scots. It would be fantastic if ourselves and Munster keep the winning going. It's a challenge for both, but Munster face a really tough one.

Munchkin wrote:Yep, four wins in the CC and four wins in the other one. The Regions have won all their opening games, as have the Scots. It would be fantastic if ourselves and Munster keep the winning going. It's a challenge for both, but Munster face a really tough one.

Whatever happens, it's been a very good first weekend for the PRO12

I won't be surprised if all French teams end up losing. Even Racing whose form has been erratic so far.

Munchkin wrote:Yep, four wins in the CC and four wins in the other one. The Regions have won all their opening games, as have the Scots. It would be fantastic if ourselves and Munster keep the winning going. It's a challenge for both, but Munster face a really tough one.

Whatever happens, it's been a very good first weekend for the PRO12

I won't be surprised if all French teams end up losing. Even Racing whose form has been erratic so far.

If they all lose they'll starting talking about quitting the competition and starting a another one again

Artful_Dodger wrote:I'm writing a letter of complaint to the ERCC organizers. This game kicks off at 13:00 on a Sunday, what time do the off licenses in Ulster open on a Sunday?? Thats right, 13:00. Outrageous.